Ames Planned Parenthood gets technology, exam room improvements with $700,000 renovation

Danielle Gehr, Ames Tribune
·2 min read
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The Ames Planned Parenthood recently completed a "state-of-the-art" renovation, according to a news release.

The Planned Parenthood North Central States contributed $700,000 to the Ames clinic to update technology and improve exam and waiting rooms. The Ames center, 2530 Chamberlain St., served more than 2,300 patients last year, according to the release.

“An investment in our health center is an investment in the Ames community,” said Sarah Stoesz, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood North Central States, according to a news release. “This renovation serves as a beacon of hope for Iowans seeking high-quality, affordable, compassionate and nonjudgmental reproductive health care.”

"Given the uncertainty right now," Planned Parenthood North Central States Communications Manager Sheena Dooley said, "we really are sending a signal and a message that we are doubling down on our investment."

Though Planned Parenthood is often associated with abortion care, its centers also provide a variety of sexual and reproductive health care, including cancer screenings, birth control and emergency contraception, among other services.

The Ames center also offers testing for sexually transmitted diseases, counseling and LBGTQ care services.

A U.S. Supreme Court draft opinion leaked last month signaled the right to an abortion could be at risk, leading to abortion rights demonstrations across the country. The leaked draft showed a majority of the court appeared ready to strike down Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey, two landmark abortion decisions.

Iowans' access to abortion would not immediately change if the two decisions are overturned; people seeking abortions in Iowa are protected by a separate decision from the Iowa Supreme Court that provides an even stronger safeguard for abortion than Roe.

When calling Planned Parenthood, an automated message says, "Despite what you may have heard, abortion is still legal."

Danielle Gehr is a politics and government reporter for the Ames Tribune. She can be reached by email at dgehr@gannett.com, phone at (515) 663-6925 or on Twitter at @Dani_Gehr.

This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: $700,000 invested in Ames Planned Parenthood health center renovation